A method for processing content objects with a content delivery network (CDN) having a plurality of geographically distributed points of presence is disclosed. Selection of a policy is received from a plurality of policies, where the plurality of policies define processes to perform on content objects stored at the CDN. Each policy includes an applicability criteria and a storage disposition. Metadata is received at the CDN, the metadata characterizing a content object, a requester of the content object and/or a provider of the content object. The content object is received for storage at the CDN. A policy and other policies are determined to be applicable to the content object through analysis of the metadata and/or the applicability criteria. Overlap is resolved between the policy and the other policies found applicable to the content object. The processing of the policy is performed on the content object.